Evangelidis pushes for sales tax break

The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved legislation last week that gives shoppers a break from state sales tax on August 11 and 12, the fourth state sales tax holiday since 2004.

Earlier this month legislative leaders were doubtful about reinstituting the tax holiday again this year, so Rep. Lew Evangelidis and the House Republicans wrote a letter to the House speaker and Senate president strongly urging them to take action. The legislation was expected to win approval in the Senate this week before heading to the governor's desk for his signature.

The legislation directs that shoppers on August 11 and 12 will not have to pay the state's 5 percent sales tax on purchases under $2,500. The bill does not cover meals taxes, gas or utility taxes, motor vehicle or boat sales, or telecommunications services.